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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Reticular Activating System

What? Does this blog title seem to deep for me... well... I am going to attempt and share something SUPER cool that I have been learning. And yes, it is a little deep :). It has to do with being in "prayer" mode. Awhile back, my mother-in-law Sherrill (Hi Sherrill!) gave us the book - In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson. I have been sloowwwwwlyyyy reading through to process all of the amazing information.

The part I want to share, I have re-read about 5 times because it resonates SO real in my heart.

Do you ever notice that when you get a new car, cell phone, computer, or puppy :) you then notice EVERYONE that has one similar or the same model, type?

Want to know what is really happening? Our Reticular Activating System (RAS) is what neurological determines what gets noticed and what goes unnoticed {because we are contstantly being bombarded with stimuli (sights and sounds)}. It could also be called our "mental radar system". This sits at the base of our BRAIN stem, a cluster of nerves. HOW COOL, RIGHT?

I have always wondered why is it that when we get something new we notice it everywhere. It's because we did not necessarily have a category in our RAS system before... but once we made a specific purchase we have a new cognitive category! {Or once we start researching something... puppies, haha}

TOO DEEP? Stay with me...

This has to do with PRAYER!! When we pray for someone or something -- this ALSO creates a new category in our RAS (base of brain stem, nerve cells..). GETTING ITTTT? This is why it is important to be in PRAYER MODE. I am really aiming for this in my own life.

When we are in prayer mode we NOTICE opportunities or people, situations that are GOD opportunities. Often times when we neglect or push aside prayer it is easier to miss out on these God opportunities that he is placing in front of us. I know for myself.... I want to have a MENTAL radar for God and what he is trying to show me!!

I hope you stayed with me today and decide to be in PRAYER mode even more this day! I am joining iFellowship as well - Hi New friends :)

11 comments:

So true, in a church class once, they told us how a relationship goes both ways, and you need that with God too. In order for him to show you what he wants, you need to be willing and open to it. Hence Prayer, keeping that 2 way communication open with him! Love this Ria!

Beautiful RIA! I love how God uses the practical to make the spiritual make sense! Here's a snip-it of a sermon that had really challenged my prayer life. Enjoy! http://illbehonest.com/Pray-for-the-Power-of-the-Living-God-Paul-Washer

I went to Pastor Mark's church for six years before I moved to the suburbs. He is awesome! He is very smart, passionate and has a sense of humor too. He definitely preached on this subject several times :)